THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 341 



the honour, and the safety of the country ? They should 

 then carefully weigh such points as are likely to make for 

 or against it ; what is to be feared, what to be expected ; 

 what consequences may be the result of ill success, and 

 how such consequences are to be repaired : lastly, whether 

 the extent of our risk do not more than counterbalance 

 the probable advantages of the enterprise. When de- 

 liberating upon these matters, those who address the 

 House should examine the subject thoroughly in every 

 point of view not only real, but possible. After making 

 themselves masters of it, they have nothing more to do 

 than to set forth those circumstances, and to state their 

 arguments for and against the measure with force and 

 simplicity. Here is no room for displaying beauties, for 

 tickling the ear, or soothing the imagination. This may 

 be called an eloquence for service for which one great 

 man is so distinguished which, in fact, rejects everything 

 that has more of show than of solidity. All the speeches 

 of Demosthenes to animate the Athenians against Philip 

 of Macedon, are in this strain of vigorous and convincing 

 oratory. In them we find no empty parade of words, no 

 affectation of ornament, no sophistical reasoning. They 

 are rich, not gaudy brilliant, not glaring forcing their 

 way to the mind, not by the artifice of insinuation, but by 

 the irresistible energy of truth.' " 



" Upon my word," observed the Baronet, " I am myself 

 inclined to think the sugar-baker would be the most useful 

 man of the two : those are good business-like ideas of his, 

 which you have just quoted." 



"I think so too," replied our sporting M.P., "and wish 

 that he were in my place, and I had the money in my 

 pocket that my election will cost. It would just mak 

 my stable complete." 



"" Is it not already complete ? " observed Sir John ; 

 " are not eight good hunters enough for you ? " 



" Certainly not for Melton," resumed Raby ; " and I 

 hope to be settled there next winter, at all events the 

 following one. Nothing under a stud of twelve will do 

 there, and I hope to have fourteen. I have no idea of 

 being seen kicking my heels in Melton streets, when 

 others are out with hounds ; and such would be the case 

 if I had a short stable of horses, with hounds every day 

 within reach." 



" You will outrun the constable," said the Baronet. 



